This review is for all seasons of Natsume Yuujinchou, including the Season 5 and 6 specials.

What really cemented my desire to watch this was another viewer's comment that it was "good for the soul" - and they couldn't have been more right about that! Watching
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(This is the same review I posted for this series at anime-planet.)

The best, warmest, kindest, and most beautiful of anime.

This review is for all seasons of Natsume Yuujinchou, including the Season 5 and 6 specials.

What really cemented my desire to watch this was another viewer's comment that it was "good for the soul" - and they couldn't have been more right about that! Watching Natsume Yuujinchou is like curling up in a warm blanket, surrounded by people who love you dearly. The atmosphere of this anime is so soothing. Each episode is a reminder that good things are here in this world, and that they will be there for you.

The characters are all excellent. Takashi Natsume is so kind and good, and I think more boys and men should watch this so they know that kindness like his is strength, not weakness. All of Natsume's friends - Nishimura, Kitamoto, Sasada, Tanuma, Taki, Natori and his foster parents, the Fujiwaras - are very supportive and loving to him. This is important because Natsume, as a character, felt unloved for much of his life, and knowing there are so many people who care for him helps his character to develop. He learns to depend on others more and that no one who matters thinks it's a burden to care for him.

The youkai characters are also wonderful. I love how their personalities are as varied as human ones: there are mean/evil youkai, but most of them are just trying to live their lives, and quite a few of them are good-hearted and sweet. Nyanko-sensei's relationship with Natsume is wonderfully developed; you see over the seasons just how much they've grown to care for each other, even if they won't admit it. The recurring youkai side characters all have their quirks and distinct personalities, and interaction between them and Natsume is fun to watch.

The soundtrack is wonderful. It always fits the scenery so well. There are plenty of soothing and heartwarming tracks, and each opening is upbeat but simple and sweet, and also uplifting. The ending songs sound like lullabies, which is perfect for the atmosphere of the show. There are also some mysterious sounding tracks - still very soft, but with a sense of mystery or urgency. It is all reminiscent of traditional Japanese music.

The animation isn't perfect, but it's good. The art style for the characters and backgrounds is very pretty. The huge landscapes are all so gorgeous, and I love the soft lines used to draw the characters.

The absolute best thing about Natsume Yuujinchou is that it reminds the viewer that there is hope. There are good things and people in the world, no matter what, and even in bleak situations. And there will always be people (or youkai) who care about you and want to see you smile. Bonds of love, be they between friends, family or romantic partners (who are always side characters, there isn't really any romance for the main characters), are the most important thing in one's life and can heal. You are never alone, and you will never be alone.

This anime shows every emotion you can possibly feel, and is one of my favorite animes.
It has wonderful friendships, tricksters, beasts and yokai. A mix of everything that makes a great story in an anime. Kudos for the artist/writer. I loved every character, and I loved the ending! And I can't wait to watch the next seson <3

I see a lot of reviewers and commenters refer to this show as "light-hearted". While I don't necessarily disagree--this show certainly has its light-hearted moments--it is much more complex than that. It touches on some heavy issues, like abuse, neglect, and anxiety. It's a slow-burning, richly emotional look at trauma and growing up with the added twist of supernatural beings called "yokai"
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I see a lot of reviewers and commenters refer to this show as "light-hearted". While I don't necessarily disagree--this show certainly has its light-hearted moments--it is much more complex than that. It touches on some heavy issues, like abuse, neglect, and anxiety. It's a slow-burning, richly emotional look at trauma and growing up with the added twist of supernatural beings called "yokai" incorporated into everyday life. Unlike a typical shonen protagonist's character development, our protagonist grows in teeny tiny ways each episode by learning to love and trust the people around him. My best advice for someone interested in starting this show for the first time is to approach it as a slice-of-life with each episode as standalone...yet somehow the show as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

I love how light-hearted this show is. Its characters are interesting and unique, yet relatable. I didn't expect this show to be as good as it is when I was watching the first few episodes, but it has exceeded my expectations. Also, the ending credits song reminds me of Hawaii so bonus points there too.

One of the most wonderfully emotional and spell binding anime's I've ever seen. Oh, the two things? .... Yeah When you watch an episode of Natsume Yunjincho it has one of only two effects. Either it it leaves you with your faith in humanity restored to it's full glory.... .... or it will be so heartbreaking you will immediately make your way to the nearest tall thing and jump from it. That is all.

Natsume Takashi, a supernaturally sensitive high-school boy inherits an artifact - the book of friends - from his grandmother. The book is a list of names taken from spirits by Natsume's grandmother after she bested them in ritual combat (aka sailor girl's school uniform & baseball bat) - possessing the name grants the owner complete and absolute control over that spirit.

Natsume quests to
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Natsume Takashi, a supernaturally sensitive high-school boy inherits an artifact - the book of friends - from his grandmother. The book is a list of names taken from spirits by Natsume's grandmother after she bested them in ritual combat (aka sailor girl's school uniform & baseball bat) - possessing the name grants the owner complete and absolute control over that spirit.

Natsume quests to discover more about his family's past and his power; and often becomes sidetracked helping humans and youkai alike. Perhaps most importantly he returns names to many of the spirits he meets, and in so doing experiences the memories of his grandmother from when she took them.

The manga and series are positively saccharine, sometimes directionless, and fairly slow paced.

Also plenty of delicious queer baiting: Natsume shares in his grandmother's memories, but the story hasn't really explored his gender beyond occasional comments on his femininity or inserting him into feminine rolls. He also has three not-quite-boyfriends - but they don't overtly discuss homosexuality once. There's been one kiss (strongly implied, same-sex) so far - but they generally just tease the fuck out of it.

This is hands down one of the best anime I have watched in so long! I loved all the seasons of it and was craving more after binge watching it! I was so incredibly happy. The beauty in the graphics and the developing story line and the character growth. It was just down right amazing. I felt so drawn in and happy. This is by far one of my favorites in a very long time.

I love the feeling you get from this anime. The pacing, scenery, music, animation, character development; all of it! I never want this series to end and I'm so grateful it's was brought back after so many years. It translates the mange well to screen and I don't feel like anything is lost in the transition. I can't wait to see more of Natsume's adventures. Definitely recommend this series to
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I love the feeling you get from this anime. The pacing, scenery, music, animation, character development; all of it! I never want this series to end and I'm so grateful it's was brought back after so many years. It translates the mange well to screen and I don't feel like anything is lost in the transition. I can't wait to see more of Natsume's adventures. Definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes Mushishi and Magus' Bride.

It follows the life of Natsume Takashi and his spiritual abilities to see youkai. Each episode is an adventure and delight and at times an emotional rollercoaster which brings tears to your eyes. I am so glad this series has so many episodes and so many seasons!! Its a must watxh for all those who love things supernatural/lore

It's Medicine.
It may take you a while to really get into it and become attached to the main characters. That said, once you have gotten to know them, they will reside deep in a part of your heart that you never knew you had--a part which they, themselves, opened up for you. And with each season, the show only gets better and better. Highly, HIGHLY recommended.

Availability Information

About the Show

Natsume Takashi has the ability to see spirits, which he has long kept secret. However, once he inherits a strange book that belonged to his
Natsume Takashi has the ability to see spirits, which he has long kept secret. However, once he inherits a strange book that belonged to his deceased grandmother, Reiko, he discovers the reason why spirits surround him.
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